Yabelo Oromia

Yabelo & Mega (Borena Birdwatching)

Ethiopia's Birding Hotspot: Endemic Species & The Great Rift Valley Escarpment

Scroll

About Yabelo & Mega (Borena Birdwatching)

Deep in the Borena zone of southern Ethiopia, two small towns—Yabelo and Mega—are legendary among serious birdwatchers. This is where you will find some of Ethiopia's rarest endemic birds, including the striking Stresemann's Bushcrow, the elegant White-tailed Swallow, and the critically endangered Sidamo Lark. Beyond the birds, the landscape is breathtaking: the Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary (home to Grevy's zebra and oryx), the dramatic Mega Escarpment (dropping into Kenya), and the traditional Borena pastoralist communities. At Monpays Tours, we bring ornithologists, photographers, and nature lovers to this under-visited paradise. Celebrate 20 years with a journey to Ethiopia's birding frontier.

What Makes It Special

Spot the striking Stresemann's Bushcrow, found only in this corner of Ethiopia
Watch the elegant White-tailed Swallow swoop over acacia scrub
Search the grasslands for the critically endangered Sidamo Lark
Safari through Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary for Grevy's zebra, oryx, and ostrich
Stand on the Mega Escarpment and gaze south into Kenya
Visit Borena pastoralist villages and learn their cattle-centered way of life

Top Attractions

Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary – Protected area for Grevy's zebra, oryx, and lesser kudu

Stresemann's Bushcrow Habitat – A specific area of acacia scrub where this endemic lives

The Mega Escarpment – A dramatic drop offering views into Kenya

Borena Pastoralist Villages – Traditional cattle-herding communities

Lake Yabelo – A small lake with flamingos and waterbirds (seasonal)

The Mega Market – A colorful Saturday market for the Borena people

Best Time to Visit

October to March (Dry season – excellent birdwatching, animals gather at water sources). April to May (Small rains – the landscape is green, birds are breeding and active). June to September (Heavy rains – roads can be challenging but birding remains good).

Activities

Birdwatching for the three key endemics (Bushcrow, Swallow, Lark) Game driving in Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary Standing on the Mega Escarpment for photography Cultural visits to Borena villages (learn about cattle herding) Attending the Mega Saturday market Birdwatching at Lake Yabelo (seasonal – depends on rainfall) Stresemann's Bushcrow: Found in a specific area near Yabelo. Your Monpays Tours guide will know the exact location. Early morning is best. White-tailed Swallow: Often seen in the same acacia scrub as the Bushcrow. Look for the distinctive white tail streamers. Sidamo Lark: Found in short grasslands near Mega. Requires patience and a good ear for its call

Getting There

By road from Addis Ababa or Yirgachefe. Yabelo and Mega are located in the Borena zone, approximately:
From Addis Ababa: 8–9 hours (best broken into two days)
From Yirgachefe: 4–5 hours
From Arba Minch: 3–4 hours
The main road from Addis to Moyale (Kenyan border) passes through Yabelo and Mega. A 4x4 vehicle is strongly recommended for accessing the birding habitats off the main road.

Accommodation

Mid-range: Yabelo Motel – The best option in Yabelo. Simple but clean rooms, good food, and a knowledgeable birding guide can be arranged. This is the base for the Bushcrow.
Basic: Mega Lodge – Very simple rooms in Mega (better for escarpment views than Yabelo).
Camping: Permitted in Yabelo Wildlife Sanctuary (bring all gear; a scout is mandatory).
Luxury: None – This is a birding and adventure destination, not luxury. The nearest high-end option is in Arba Minch or Hawassa.

Explore Nearby Destinations

Ready to Visit Yabelo & Mega (Borena Birdwatching)?

Let our travel experts craft the perfect itinerary for your Ethiopian adventure.

Get Exclusive Travel Deals

Subscribe to our newsletter and be the first to know about special offers and new tours.

No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Welcome Back

Sign in to your account

Forgot password?

Don't have an account? Sign Up